July 4, 2007 - SAUGET, Ill. – Gateway scored six runs in the first inning and cruised to an 8-5 win on Indepdence Night in Sauget.

While fireworks lit up the sky across the country, both teams put on an explosive display on Wednesday night combining for six home runs. Gateway hit four, including two in the first inning and didn’t look back.

RiverHawks starter Garrett Bauer left the game after facing just seven batters. He allowed six runs on three hits, including a grand slam from Greg Andrews and a two-run home run from Josh Dietz in the first inning. All of the runs were earned and Bauer (2-3) was handed the loss.

Rockford jumped on the board in the sixth inning as Matt Sauls hit his first home run of the season. It was a solo blast to right-center field.

Dave Dowling came on in relief of Bauer and lasted five innings. In the sixth, Stephen Holdren and Dietz hit back-to-back solo home runs to make it an 8-1 game.

Rockford battled back into the game with three runs off Dessau in the seventh inning. Matt Hagen drove in a run on a double, and Joey Juskins and Brad Dutton grounded out but brought in runs to cap the scoring. In the eighth, Jason James hit a solo home run off Brandon Kellbach to make it an 8-5 Gateway lead. It would be as close as the ‘Hawks would get.

Gateway closer Eric Ridener worked the ninth inning for his 12th save.

With the loss, the RiverHawks drop under .500 with a record of 20-21. This is the latest point in a season that the ‘Hawks have been under .500. The series continues tomorrow night from Sauget. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

The RiverHawks are the Western Division champions of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 15th season in 2007. Advertising and season-ticket information is available by calling the box office at (815) 885-2255. All games are broadcast live on WNTA (1330 AM). Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.